Residents of Tivim, located in North Goa, recently gathered for a public meeting organized by the civic advocacy group Goyche Fuddle Pillge Khatir (GFPK) to address concerns over a gazette notification that has converted 52,000 square meters of cultivable irrigation command land into commercial space. This decision, made under Section 39A of the Town and Country Planning Act, has sparked outrage among locals who fear it threatens the ecological balance of the area. Architect and activist Elsa Fernandes emphasized that random amendments to regional plans could endanger ecologically sensitive areas. She highlighted that salt pans and mangroves are being broadly classified as 'no development zones,' which undermines their ecological significance. Environmental researcher Avertino Miranda warned that unregulated financial activities are weakening the traditional stewardship of the local communidade system. GFPK president Jack Mascarenhas called for stronger grassroots participation to protect villages and the environment. The meeting concluded with a resolution to file an administrative appeal before the block development officer, seeking a special gram sabha to discuss the matter in detail.